Ice Trend

Summer is the time of flowering for many cacti; the hotter the better.

In some the flowers appear after 2 or 3 years, in others they have to be very old or reach a certain height.

The flowers are very pretty, almost all the colors are represented, but in general they do not last long.

They are formed in the areolas, but they are not protected from water loss, so lhe large-flowered species generally bloom at night; those with small flowers do it during the day.

Some react to changes in light and close if it is cloudy.

The diurnal flowers are generally pollinated by bees, flies, birds and cockroaches, while the nocturnal ones are pollinated by bats and moths.

In general, they have a pleasant scent, although those visited by bats smell musty or are nauseating.

When they are about to bloom, many cacti change their exterior. An example is the Melocactus which makes a true cephalian, like a hat that protects flowers and fruits from predators.

Some columnar cacti that bloom in summer: Cereus, which grows in places that are not so dry –such as Buenos Aires– and are very tall; Peniocereus, long, slender stem, tolerates being outside in temperate climates; Trichocereus, there are many basses that are sold in nurseries and they bloom a lot.

Most cacti are watered weekly at this time. no need to water more often.

The exception is the epiphytic cacti, which will be watered according to the climate of each one, two or three times a week.

It is also not advisable to put systemic poisons, since now they have a short rest and only need water, except for one large case of infestation.

We must not forget that when bringing a plant home, it needs us to change the substrate by a well-draining mixture, composed at least of black earth and coarse sand.

Without this substrate they will be more prone to diseases or to be attacked by insects.